Miramar Puts Cell Phone Tower Request On Hold

September 18, 2009|By Georgia East Staff Writer

MIRAMAR — After a flurry of complaints, city commissioners postponed voting on a proposal to place a cell phone tower near a residential neighborhood.

T-Mobile South is asking the city to grant a variance so the company can erect a 100-foot tower inside a flag pole. The pole is flanked by two other large flag poles at Fire Station 70 off Miramar Parkway between Douglas Road and Palm Avenue.

A variance is required because under city law, telecommunication towers should be separated by at least a mile, and another T-Mobile tower is less than a mile away, at Forzano Park on Douglas Road.

Residents from River Run, Turtle Bay and other neighboring communities came out in force for Wednesday night's City Commission meeting. They had petitions bearing about 250 signatures opposing the proposal.

Many said they worried the tower could pose a health hazard and would lower their property values.

"An eyesore in the middle of our community is not the place for it to be," said resident Cecile Fountain. "I expect to see huge flags at a car lot."

Resident Melvina Lucas said she had concerns about the radiation emitted by cell phone towers.

"What is the city of Miramar exposing residents to?" asked Lucas.

John Banner, a T-Mobile representative, said the Federal Communications Commission sets safety requirements for cell towers.

According to plans, the tower would be concealed in a 100-foot flag pole, flanked by two 75-foot flagpoles, along with an equipment station on the east side of the fire station property.

Banner said the tower is needed to increase coverage in an area where service is spotty. He also said it would provide better service and easier access to 9-1-1 for those with no home phones.

Resident Susan Young said she thought one pole would work better than three tall poles.

City leaders said the application should go back to the city's Community Appearance Board, which could take more comments from residents. The City Commission will review the application Nov.18.

Commissioner Winston Barnes said he wondered whether the variance request was really about giving T-Mobile an advantage over its competitors.

"I'm so uncomfortable with the notion of seeking to have the city facilitate a competitive edge," he said.